MONTHLY TIPS

OCTOBER

As autumn approaches it is time to start thinking about what needs to be done in the garden before the winter sets in.

This is a good time of year to plant shrubs, trees and perennials and of course, spring flowering bulbs and winter flowering pansies.

Some plants that are at their best at this time of year are:

Potentilla – Small flowers in shades of white, orange, yellow etc. – Easy to grow shrub with a long flowering period. Grows well in any well drained garden soil where it will thrive in sun or part shade. Height – about 1m (3ft)

Hibiscus – Superb late flowering shrub. Needs a sunny, sheltered well drained spot. – Available In many colours, height – about 2m (6ft) Hebe – Evergreen shrubs that come in all sizes. Some varieties are particularly suited to winter baskets and containers. A patio pot planted up with cream or yellow winter flowering pansies and Hebe x franciscana in the centre can really brighten up a patio on a dull winters day.

Hydrangea varieties – Mopheads and lace caps in all shades of pink, blue, white, red and purple. The mopheads have large, ball-like flowers. Lacecaps have a flat flower-head with an outer ring of large flowers surrounding a central group of much smaller ones. Needs a well drained rich soil to do its best. Prefers light shade.

Sedum spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’ – Large pink flower heads against bright green foliage. Good hardy border perennial. Height – 60cm (2ft).

Pansy Ultima – The true winter flowering pansy. Extremely hardy, with medium sized flowers that really do bloom all winter. Available in a huge range of colours to suit every colour scheme.

All of the above plants are generally available at the nursery.

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN THE GARDEN THIS MONTH

VEGETABLES
Try to get all spring cabbage planted before the end of the month.
Lift and store potatoes and other tender root crops.
Lift March- or April-sown onions and dry.
Start autumn digging.

FRUIT
Place grease bands round the trunks of fruit trees about three foot from the ground. This protects wingless pests from climbing the trunk and laying their eggs. (Remove and burn in February)
Continue picking tree fruits as they ripen and store any keeping varieties of apples and pears.
Finish planting strawberries.

FLOWERS
Plant out spring flowering bulbs except tulips, try potting up some bulbs in containers.
Prune rambling and climbing roses when they have finished flowering. Trim hedges when necessary.
Start preparing new beds and borders.
Plant out winter pansies, stocks, polyanthus, wallflowers, forget-me-nots, bellis, etc.

GREENHOUSE
Reduce watering and stop feeding as growth slows for the winter.
Sow hardy annuals including sweet peas.
Check and service any heaters before the frosts begin.
Bring in geraniums, fuchsias and chrysanthemums for over wintering.

LAWNS
Sow now for new lawns.
Reduce the amount of mowing and do not cut the grass too short. Spike the lawn to alleviate summer compaction.
Feed with autumn lawn feed.

GENERAL
Start autumn digging wherever possible.
Build a compost heap and clear up any dead and dying plant material. Plan next years flowers and vegetables.
Remember this month is the ideal time for planting evergreens – there is still time for the roots to become established before the cold weather comes.
For diversity try flowering varieties, berries and variegated or reddish-coloured leaves.

 

Blenheim Nurseries was established about 20 years ago.
Specialising in growing a range of garden plants.
The nursery has grown steadily over the years attracting more and more customers from the local area. We produce a range of top quality bedding plants, basket plants, shrubs and perennials. In spring and summer the nursery is a mass of colour with hanging baskets, tubs etc many made to order for customers who have been coming back to us for years.

At Blenheim Nurseries the emphasis has always been on customer service.
Because we grow most of the plants that we sell we are able to give informed advice to our customers.
So if you need any help or advice on any of the plants that we sell, please ask, we like to try and help.

 

We look forward to seeing you soon

Bromley Road Ardleigh Colchester Essex CO7 7SF
Telephone: 01206 870605

 

Contact us: johnharris@blenheimnurseries.co.uk

 

Opening times vary according to the seasons.
We are open:
Mon-Sat 9AM - 5.30PM or untill dusk
Sunday 10AM - 4PM